DescriptionDescription and Diagnosis: Chiropterotriton multidentatus is a terrestrial salamander that lives in crevices and has direct development (Parra-Olea 2003; Parra-Olea et al. 2004). The species is characterized by its large phalangeal pads, extensively webbed feet, small number of large teeth, and coloration. C. multidentatus has a SVL of 27-38 mm in males and 26-33 mm in females (Rabb 1958). Adult males have a well developed mental hedonic gland cluster. Females have developed ova that are visible through the body. Juveniles range from 26-33 mm, intermediates (those that lack the characteristics of a breeding condition) range from 35-43 mm and adults range from 37-47 mm (Dodd and Brodie 1976).

C. multidendatus is native to Mexico in southern San Luis
Potosi, southern Tamaulipas, and southern Hidalgo at altitudes of 2,000 to 2,900 m above sea level. It used to be abundant in Hidalgo, but the population there declined in the early 1980s (Parra-Olea et al. 2004). It is also found in the same geographic range as C. cracens
(Parra-Olea 2003).

Life History, Abundance, Activity, and Special BehaviorsDefensive behaviors are
not significantly different between male and female adults or across
temperature changes of 4, 12 and 20°C. Juveniles and hatchlings remained
immobile at 12°C significantly longer than at 4 or 20°C. In response to predators and being rolled onto its back, C. multidentatus becomes immobile, coils up with or without the limbs
collapsed or attempts to escape by running (Dodd and Brodie 1976).

Trends and ThreatsMajor threats to this species
include destruction of its forest habitat due to agricultural
activities and logging. In areas where their habitat has been
preserved, declining populations may be explained by threats such as
climate change and disease (Parra-Olea et al. 2004).

Relation to HumansThis species has been greatly affected by the
activities of humans. Logging and agriculture are responsible for
significantly degrading its habitat. Mexican legislation now protects
these salamanders and there has been a call for increased research on
this species.

CommentsThis species was originally named Oedipus multidentatus and went through three name changes to Chiropterotriton multidentatus in 1958 (Frost 2011).

The phylogentic position of C.
multidentatus is still very uncertain due to the
lack of new specimens and the fact that previous taxonomic work was
conducted before genetic sequencing and
immunological comparisons techniques. Sequence divergence between haplotypes places
C. multidentatus as most closely related to C. cracens (Parra-Olea 2003). Darda (1994)
tentatively assigned specimens from Rancho del Cielo, Tamaulipas to
this species, but the specimens from Rancho del Cielo assigned to C.
multidentatus may represent a different species Rabb (1958).

There are two
separate populations of C. multidentatus, one from Hidalgo and another
from Tamaulipas. They differ from one another in feet morphology, body size, dentition and coloration, but are still
identified as the same species Rabb (1958). The occurrence of gaps along the Sierra Madre Oriental
might mean that the habitat of C. multidentatus was once widespread
but is now patchy, which would explain the genetic variation between
the two groups (Darda 1994).